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Commerce council OKs multiple grant applications for water, parks and downtown revitalization
Summary
The council authorized staff to apply for a 100%‑grant water program, approved a Texas Parks and Wildlife grant application for Centennial Park (50% local match), and authorized participation in the Texas CDBG downtown revitalization process that carries a $1 million award with a $50,000 local match.
Commerce — City council members on Tuesday approved three separate actions authorizing staff to pursue state grant funding for water infrastructure, parks improvements and downtown revitalization.
On a request to apply to the Texas Water Development Board, staff said a recent legislative program will put significant annual funding toward water infrastructure and that the awards are expected to be highly competitive. “This funding is a 100% grant. It's not a loan,” Howdy told the council, adding the city would target one or two projects from its water master plan. The council authorized the filing of an application and designated the city manager as the authorized representative.
For parks funding, staff identified GrantWorks as the city’s grant administrator and asked the council to authorize officials to act on the city’s behalf, commit Centennial Park as the proposed site, and confirm the city can provide a 50% local match should the award be made. “This resolution will essentially accomplish four things,” said Molly, the staff member presenting the parks item, listing application, match commitment, administrator designation and site dedication. The council approved the resolution and staff plans a public input session with the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
Separately, the council approved participation in the Texas Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) downtown revitalization program. Staff said Commerce ranked number four on the recommended funding list; CDBG has a $1,000,000 award identified for the Farmer's Market renovation, which carries a $50,000 local match requirement. Council passed the authorization to proceed.
All three motions passed without recorded opposition. Staff said pursuing state grant programs could add about a year to project schedules when state procedures are involved for those projects that are not emergency repairs.
